SB 839- Human Trafficking: A Global Epidemic, A Hidden Northwest Tragedy

Human trafficking is a practice most think has faded out of existence, and therefore we rarely think about or discuss it. The reality is that it is the fastest growing criminal industry in the world, and its time to start doing something about it. Children are often kidnapped; some are sold by their own families. The Council of Europe states that trafficking “has reached epidemic proportions over the past decade.” Some studies estimate that more than 1.2 million people are trafficked around the world every year, and in some countries, the cost of a slave is as little as $90.

Perhaps, even more shocking, this issue hits much closer to home than most think. The U.S. Government believes that 17,500 people are trafficked into the U.S. each year, the northwest being a major port of entry for international human traffickers. Young girls born and raised in the U.S. are also increasingly being pulled into this life shattering trade. Senator Starr recently began working with local organizations to start taking steps to eradicate human trafficking in Oregon. After SB 839 seemed doomed to die in the Senate Judiciary Committee, but with help from local groups combating human trafficking, it received second life late in the session. SB 839 makes the victims of human trafficking eligible for the widely successful Address Confidentiality Program operated through the Department of Justice. Until our state can offer greater levels of protection and quality services to those solicited by traffickers, a safe and secure address will go a long way in bringing an increased element of security.